RN to BSN Programs in California

You can find several RN to BSN programs for registered nurses in California who wish to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. All programs either include or require the five RN license requirements in California:

• Fingerprint background check
• Completion of an RN nursing program
• A passing score on the NCLEX exam
• $101-$131 in fees

Many California RN to BSN programs are offered both in-person and online. To complete an accredited RN to BSN program, most students must pass courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, nursing, and the liberal arts (if you have not already taken these as part of an RN program). The RN to BSN program usually provides supervised clinical experience in hospital departments (e.g., pediatrics, maternity, surgery, etc.), nursing care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies, and ambulatory clinics.

Career Outlook for RN to BSN Program Graduates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California was home to 233,030 registered nurses in 2009. They earned an annual mean salary of $85,080. Registered nurses without BSN degrees tend to earn salaries in the lower range, from $59,200-$69,720, while registered nurses with a BSN degree earn salaries in the higher range, from $100,080-$117,330.

Salary and advancement opportunities are the two main advantages to earning an RN to BSN degree. RN BSN programs usually provide registered nurses with more training in communication, leadership, and critical thinking, which are increasingly important as you advance in your career. BSN programs usually offer more experience in non-clinical settings.